Top 10: Premier League free transfers

January represents not only the opening of the winter transfer window, but it also signals the start of a negotiating period that enables players to talk to potential suitors for when their contracts run out.

So what bargains are there to be had at the end of the 2012/13 Premier League season? And should some clubs do all they can to keep their current stars at the club? Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.

Andrey Arshavin - Arsenal

Andrey Arshavin has failed to live up to the hype at Arsenal, although there have been one or two standout performances from the Russian international. For example, the draw against Liverpool when he scored all four goals was a particular highlight.

Arshavin, 31, was scoring goals and creating chances at will, but now he is just a shadow of his former self. With that in mind, it would not be wise to give a new contract to the player, and his departure from the club seems almost inevitable.

Frank Lampard - Chelsea

Frank Lampard has earned himself legendary status at Stamford Bridge with his consistent service in a transitional period for Chelsea during the Roman Abramovich era.

His passing range, set-pieces and general experience means that he'd be well worth keeping at the club beyond the end of his current contract. It will be a disgrace if Chelsea don't offer the 34-year-old a new deal, although it looks increasingly likely that Lampard will be plying his trade elsewhere next season.

Jamie Carragher - Liverpool

The 35-year-old Liverpool veteran is unsure whether he will still be at Anfield next season.

Carragher, out of contract in the summer, has revealed it has been a disappointing season for him personally under Brendan Rodgers after making only his second Premier League start of the season in the 5-0 win over Norwich.

Carragher said: "The manager has been great with me. He has tried to keep me involved. But listen, I want to start. I'm no different to any other player.

"It was only my second start in the league this season, which is disappointing from my point of view, but I said I wouldn't complain and I'm just trying to get more starts and be involved between now and the end of the season."

The former England international deserves some playing time to prove his worth as he can still bring some value to the team and should not leave Liverpool this way.

"There are challenges coming and there are changes in life, and I will deal with that if it happened. I wish to stay, but you never know."

With so many talented individuals in the Citizen’s defence, it will be hard for the Ivorian to get a new contract, and should he leave, he can easily be replaced.

Rio Ferdinand - Manchester United

Manchester United have yet to open talks with Rio Ferdinand about a new contract, with the club waiting to see how the 34-year-old maintains his fitness in the final year of his deal, which ends this summer.

The central defender is keen to sign on again at the club where he has spent over a decade, but United may wait before starting negotiations.

Ferdinand has been the backbone of United’s defence in recent years and the experience he brings to the side means he is worth offering a new contract.

Ryan Giggs - Manchester United

In a wonderful display in the FA Cup replay against West Ham, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Ryan Giggs was 19 again, not 39.

Tackling, creating and dribbling, Giggs stole the show and showed exactly why he should continue playing at the top level, a view shared by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"If you don't enjoy the FA Cup at Old Trafford then you should pack it in, but we'll see what this season brings."

Paul Scholes - Manchester United

A club legend in his own right, Paul Scholes has been a mainstay in the heart of United's midfield since making his debut back in 1994.

A firm favourite with Sir Alex Ferguson, Scholes has established himself as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, with a number of world-class players running out of superlatives to describe the Saltford-born midfielder.

Zinedine Zidane famously described Scholes as "the complete footballer" - quite a compliment coming from arguably one of the best players of all time.

Danny Simpson - Newcastle United

Newcastle's right-back has impressed since joining the club from Manchester United back in 2009.

Simpson has been a consistent performer under Alan Pardew, and the Toon Army will loathe to lose the Salford-born defender.

Rumoured interest from QPR, Fulham and West Ham means Simpson's long-term future is unclear, and with a number of clubs keeping tabs on his contract situation, it remains to be seen whether the 26-year-old will remain at St. James' Park for much longer.

Jussi Jaaskelainen - West Ham United

The former Bolton keeper joined West Ham on a one-year deal in the summer of 2012.

Even after spending 15 years with Bolton, the 38-year-old still has what it takes to compete in the Premier League.

Jaaskelainen can still play one more year at the highest level and would be a good signing for any club, if West Ham choose not to extend his current contract.

Franco Di Santo - Wigan Athletic

Di Santo is stalling on signing a new deal - and may let his contract run out to give Roberto Martinez a headache.

The 23-year-old Argentina international has been an integral part of Wigan’s side, and is their leading marksmen.

Wigan will be desperate to tie their star striker down to a new long-term contract, but Di Santo may have bigger ambitions than fighting for survival each year.

Di Santo would be a good signing for most Premier League clubs because of his adaptability, pace and skill. He is also young and has plenty of potential to develop in the future.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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